Make a Call

Alternative names: --

Objective: To practice making calls and to test your knowledge of the WFTDA referee hand signals.
Typical length of drill: N/A

Materials needed: To run the program you need a Windows computer with .net Framework 3.0 or later.  This can be downloaded through Windows Update or the Microsoft website.
Skill level required: None

Description: The following post and the computer program associated with it has been created and submitted to A.D.D. by Major Madness of RuhrPott Roller Girls, Germany:

To make the right call and use the right verbal cue is on of the most important things while reffing.  A lot of refs start to practice these by making little note cards with a number and a penalty on it.  It's a good start but this way you always practise the same calls and it's quite a lot of work to do this.  With "Make a Call" it's easy to practice and test your calling skills.



Major penalty



The program has a Learning- and a Test- mode.  You just need to press "New Call" to generate a one to four -digit number in different colors and a verbal cue penalty.  These will be black for minors and red for majors. Now make a clean call by saying color, number, penalty with the right hand signal and whistle, and "Major" for majors.  If you are not sure you can press "Show Signal" to see the correct hand signal.  By pressing "Test your Skills" a new number and penalty will be generated for you every five seconds.  The handsignal will pop up four seconds later to show you whether or not you were right.



Test your skills



The software is free to give away, no rights.  The latest Versions can be found at Zebrahuddle.com.  If you like it, tell me.  If you find any bugs or have an idea for future development tell me too.  If you don't like it, tell it to someone who cares. ;-)  Feel free to Contact me by e-mail or by Facebook.

Additional notes: My refband (this is me, Geena, speaking here again :) has this program installed on his computer and we both think it's great!  Not only is this program good for referees and NSOs but it is also a good way for skaters and announcers to practice their own knowledge and understanding of the different referee hand signals and verbal cues.

If you like this post you may also like the post Handy Things to Know and its accompanying video.